Hunting in Hawaii: 4 Animals Designated Nongame, Endangered, Threatened, and Protected Species

Hawaii has the highest number of threatened and endangered species in the United States. The Aloha State has more than 430 such species, according to the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This has earned the state the dubious distinction as the “Endangered Species Capitol of the World.” Hawaii has implemented conservation strategies for each of these species, concentrating on eliminating threats such as habitat loss and hunting.

While the state doesn’t have clear hunting laws for each, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid these animals the next time you embark on a hunting trip in Hawaii.

ALERT: Should Obama Have More Control Over Guns? Vote Now

The State of Hawaii’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife lists the following four species as “Species of Greatest Conservation Need”:

1. Pueo (Hawaiian Short-eared Owl): Endangered
This raptor is found on all of the main Hawaiian islands but is listed by the state as endangered only on the island of Oahu. Exact numbers are unknown, but Hawaii is considering several conservation and management strategies to ensure the species continues to thrive.

2. Io: Endangered
Listed by both the federal and state governments as endangered, the Hawaiian population of this raptor appears stable for now, according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

However, the department also considers shooting, trapping, and harassing of the bird as possibly the biggest threat to its survival. The Hawaiian government has enforced laws preventing these actions and continues to monitor the species’ numbers.

VOTE NOW: Is Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono Doing a Good Job?

3. Koloa Maoli or Hawaiian Duck: Endangered
This waterbird is listed as endangered at both the federal and state levels. As part of a 1997 conservation and management plan, Hawaii prohibited hunting of the bird and continues to monitor its numbers and research ways to minimize potential threats. The state also reintroduced the bird to help boost the numbers, and on most Hawaiian islands the current population developed from reintroduced birds.

4. Ope’ape or Hawaiian Hoary Bat: Endangered
Conservation efforts for this bird, Hawaii’s only native terrestrial mammal, include protecting the current population and its habitat, and creating new populations to ward off extinction. This bat, found all across North America, is listed as endangered by both the federal government and the state of Hawaii.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

URGENT: Do You Support Obama's Plans for Stricter Gun Control? Vote Now

Related Stories:

• Hunting in Arkansas: Eight Animals to Hunt in the Summer

• Hunting in California: Online Resources and Mobile Apps to Enhance the Field Experience